Diaper washing machine



DEC. 5, 1967 DOM 3,355,750

DIAPER WASHING MACHINE Filed Oct. 21, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 I ll J Ill INVENTOR. DAVID E. WISDOM A TTORNEYS D. E. WlSDOM Dec. 5, 1967 DIAPER WASHING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 21, 1966 A r TORNEYS D. E. WISDOM Dec. 5, 1967 DIAPER WASHING MACHINE Filed Oct. 21, 1966 INVENTOR. DA W0 5. w/saoM Dec. 5, 1967 D. E. WISDOM 3,355,750

DIAPER WASHING MACHINE Filed Oct. 21, 1 966 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. DA W0 E. WISDOM M A TTOR/VEYS Dec. 5, 1967 D. E. wzsoom 3,355,750

DIAPER WASHING MACHINE Filed Oct. 21, 1966 5 sheets -sheet 5 INVENTOR. DA W!) E. WISDOM ATTORNEYS United States Patent.

3,355,750 DIAPER WASHING MACHINE David E. Wisdom, 4843 Voltaire St., San Diego, Calif. 92107 Filed 0et.=21, 1966, Ser. No. 588,521 7 Claims. (Cl. 8-158) This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 378,293 filed on behalf of David E. Wisdom on June 26, 1964, and now abandoned.

The present invention relates to a method for washing sheet material and to a machine to be used in that method. More particularly, the invention relates to a method for washing sheet material, such as diapers, having a soiled area on one side and to a Washing machine to be used in that method.

The container utilized in the method is of the type that includes means for suspending a sheet material vertically and intermediate relatively low intensity wide pattern spray nozzles disposed on opposite sides of the suspended sheet. A relatively high intensity narrow pattern spray nozzle is included on one side of the suspended sheet.

The method consists of suspending the sheet in the container with the soiled side facing the relatively high intensity spray nozzle. The sheet is Washed by flowing pressurized cold water through both low intensity nozzles and high intensity nozzles. Both low intensity nozzles are moved to direct their spray patterns over substantially the entire facing area of the sheet and the high intensity nozzle is moved to direct its spray pattern over substantially the entire soiled area. The cold water is then drained from the container.

The sheet is then washed 'by flowing pressurized hot water and detergent mixture through both low intensity nozzles and high intensity nozzles. The low intensity noz zles are again moved to direct a spray pattern over substantially the entire facing area of the sheet and the high intensity nozzle is likewise moved to direct its spray pattern over substantially the entire soiled area. The hot water and detergent mixture is then drained from the container.

The sheet is then rinsed by flowing pressurized clean water through both low intensity nozzles. The high intensity nozzles are again moved to direct the spray pattern over substantially the entire facing area of the sheet. The rinse water is then drained from the container and the sheet material dried.

The washing machine of this invention comprises suitable mechanisms and controls for carrying out the aforementioned method.

Other features and the advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated,

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the washer, showing the same supported by a movable stand;

FIG. 2 is a horizontal sectional view of the washer per se, shown in FIG. 1, but on a larger scale, the section being taken along lines 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the washer shown in FIG. 1, the view being taken along the lines 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an elevational sectional viewof the washer shown in FIG. 1, the view being taken along the lines 44 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of the washer shown in FIG. 1, the view being taken along the lines 55 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a schematic the electrical in FIG. 1; and

showing the wiring diagram for components included in the washer shown FIG. 7 is a diagrammatical view of the conduits and nozzles included in the washer shown in FIG. 1.

Referring generally to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, the washing machine 20 is shown carried by a stand 24, having casters 26. The washing machine 20 is shown in front of a standard type wash tub 28. The tub 28 is provided with a gooseneck drain 30 and the washing machine drain is removably connected thereto by a drain pipe 32. Hot and cold water faucets (one being shown at 34) are connected by flexible tubes 36 and 38, respectively, to the washer 20.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the washing machine 20 includes a container 40. A rod 42 having clothes pins 44 afi'ixed thereto is supported in the upper portion of the container. The sheet material, i.e., diaper 46, is suspended from the clothes pins 44. This diaper 46 is suspended with the more soiled side facing the right as viewed in FIG. 4.

An oscillatable tube 48 is supported from the front wall 50 of the container 40. A low intensity nozzle 52 is affixed intermediate the outer end of and on the tube 48, and a high intensity nozzle 54 is pivotally supported near the end of the tube. The low intensity nozzle 52 emits a shallow wide spray pattern while the high intensity nozzle 54 emits a relatively narrow spray pattern. Pivotal positioning, effecting horizontal directing of the spray pattern, of the nozzle 54 during its oscillation with the tube 48 is effected by guides 56 and 53 supported from the front Wall 50.

An oscillatable tube 50 is supported from the inner container wall 62 and three nozzles 64 are aflixed thereto. Oscillation of the tube 60 about its horizontal axis moves the spray from the nozzles 64 up and down along the face of the sheet 46.

A three solenoid valve assembly 66 (see FIG. 3) having a cold water inlet 68 and a hot 'water inlet 69 is mounted on the back wall 70 of the compartment 40. A conduit or tube 72 connects to the valve assembly 66 outlet and extends horizontally along the end of the c0ntainer 40 and connects through a T 73 with a vertical tube 74. The T 73 connects with an elbow 75, that is, the inlet of a sealed fitting 77 and the tube 48 are connected to the outlet and can oscillate relative to the fitting.

Another tube 7d extends vertically from and is connected with the tube 72 and connects with the inlet of a venturi pump '78 (the purpose of which will be made apparent later). A tube 80 is connected to the outlet of the venturi pump 78 and extends into the tube 48 through the elbow 75 and connects with another tube 81 which extends coaxially therein to feed the wide pattern front spray nozzle 52. The rear nozzles 64 are fed through a tube 82 that leads from a centrifugal pump 84. r

A motor 86 is provided for driving the centrifugal pump 84 and has a friction wheel 85 on its drive shaft for driving a similar wheel 87 on the pump. The motor 86 also provides power for oscillating the tubes 48 and 60 to direct the nozzle sprays. The motor 86 drives two pinions 88 and 89 through linkage 90. The pinion 88 in turn drives a chain drive 92 that drives the tube 48 through a pinion 94 that is aflixed thereto. The pinion 96 affixed to the tube 60 is driven by chain drive 98 that is driven by the pinion 89. The tubes 48 and 60 are timed so that the nozzles 52, 54 and 64 direct their respective spray patterns synchronously into opposing ,areas of the sheet A drain opening 100 is formed in the wall 102 defining the bottom of the washing compartment 103 and a drain pipe 104 is connected thereto via a sump 105.

Referring more in detail to the drawings, the wall 102 slopes generally downwardly from its edges to the drain opening 100. A triangular formed cutting screen 106 is supported over the opening 100. A spray nozzle 108 is supported from the wall 182 and is designed to direct a 11in sharp spray into the apex of the cutting screen 106. The nozzle 108 is fed through a tube 110 extending from the valve assembly 66.

Referring now to the valve assembly 66 in detail, it includes three solenoids 112, 114 and 116. The valve associated with the solenoid 112 controls the cold water flow through the line 72 and to the high and low impact nozzles 52 and 54. The valve associated with the solenoid 114 controls the hot water flow to the line 72 and to the nozzles 52 and 54. The valve which is associated with solenoid 116 controls the cold water flow to the tube 110 and to the disposal nozzle 108.

Three tanks 118, 119 and 120 are provided, for example, for bleach, detergent, and anti-bacterial softener. Tubes 117, 121 and 123 open into the tanks 118, 119 and 120, respectively, and are in communication with a chamber 128 formed in the venturi 78. The valves in these tubes 117, 121 and 123 are controlled by solenoids 122, 124 and 126, respectively. The outlets of the tubes 117, 121 and 123 open into a chamber 128 and the liquid is withdrawn therefrom through a passage 130 which is connected to the venturi 132. The mixture discharged from the venturi 132 is passed into the tube 80 and flows through the low intensity nozzle 52.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the centrifugal pump 84 includes an inlet tube 134 that extends into the container 40 and partially into the sump 105 and terminates in an open end. A screen 138 confronts the opening 136. An outlet tube 1411 leads from the pump outlet to a T 142. The vertical leg of the T 142 is connected to a solenoid valve 144 and the outlet of the solenoid valve 144 is connected with a vertical tube 146. This vertical tube is connected with an elbow 148, which elbow in turn is connected with .an angling tube 150. The tube 150 is connected with a 90 degree elbow 152 that is coupled to a sealed fitting 153 that feeds the tube 68. The tube 60 is oscillatable in this fitting 153.

The pump 84 also feeds the nozzle 54 and this feed is through the horizontal run of the T 142 and through the solenoid valve 156 and elbow 158 and on through the line 74.

Electric heaters 160 are disposed in the lower part of the container 40 for drying the sheet after it is washed.

A blower 164 is mounted on the end wall 103 of the container 40 and is driven by the motor 86 through a belt drive 166. An opening 168 is formed near the bottom of the end wall 169 and the blower throat opens thereinto. Thus, the incoming air is introduced near the lower end of the sheet 46 and is circulated over the heaters 160.

A screen 170 angles inwardly and downwardly over the left heater 160 (as viewed in FIG. 4) to prevent the sheet 46 from being forced against the heater and also to prevent dirt from falling onto said heater 160. A similar screen 172 is supported over the right heater 160 and angles inwardly and downwardly toward the drain opening 100 to deposit dirt that may fall thereon into the screen.

Referring more in detail to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 2 and 6, the nozzle 54 depends from the hollow post 176 and is fed therethrough. The post 176 is pivotableon the tube 48 to vary the horizontal impingement of the nozzle spray pattern on the sheet 48.

As set forth earlier, the tube 48 is oscillated by the chain drive 92 and said oscillation brings the sides of the nozzle 54 into driving engagement with the guides 56 and 58.

Referring in detail to FIG. 5, the guide 58 includes an upwardly facing angled guide surface 178 for urging the tip of the nozzle 54 in one direction and guide 56 includes a downwardly facing angled guide surface 180 for urging the tip of the nozzle in the opposite direction.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the guide 56 depends from a leaf spring 182 that is secured to the wall 50 at 184. As

the tube 48 is oscillated to move the tip of the nozzle 54 downwardly, the spray pattern will remain as shown by the broken lines throughout most of the downward sweep. When the nozzle makes contact with the upwardly facing angled surface 178 the nozzle will be pivoted to the left, as viewed in FIG. 2. This happens near the end of the downward sweep of the nozzle 54, thus moving the spray pattern abruptly horizontal along the lower edge of the sheet 46. As the nozzle 54 commences its upward sweeping action, it makes contact with the downwardly facing angled edge of the guide 56. Upon initial contact the sideward force exerted on the nozzle 54 is relatively slight, but as the upward movement continues the sideward force increases because the spring 182 is deformed more. Near the upper end of the nozzles 54 sweeping action, the sideward force will be great enough to pivot the nozzle 54 and the spring 182 will move the guide 56 back to its original position, thus pivoting the nozzle to its original position as shown in FIG. 5. This occurs as the nozzle approaches the termination of its upward sweeping action and the spray pattern in moved abruptly horizontally across the top of the sheet 46.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4, a plug is provided for plugging the inner end of the drain pipe 104. The plug 190 is carried on an arm 194, which arm is pivotally connected at 196 to the end of a drive lever 198. The drive lever 198 is pivotally mounted at 200 and it is connected to a drive arm 202 at 284. The drive arm 202 is biased clockwise, as viewed in FIG. 2, by a tension spring 286. The drive arm 282 is connected to a solenoid 208 and the drain pipe 192 is closed by actuating the solenoid to pull the arm 282 to the right, as viewed in FIG. 2, thus pivoting the lever 198 about its pivot 200 and bringing the plug 190 into engagement with the inner end of the drain pipe 192.

A suitable timer 210, which is actuated by a manual control dial 211, controls the hot and cold water flow through the nozzles 52, 54 and 64. The timer 210 also controls the bleach, detergent, and anti-bacterial solenoids 112, 114 and 116, respectively. The timer 210 also controls the motor 86 and the pump outlet valves 144 and 156.

A suitable wiring schematic is shown in FIG. 6 and referring thereto, the cold, hot, and disposer water valve solenoids 112, 114 and 116, respectively, have their ground terminals wired in parallel by the leads 216 and 218. These leads are connected to the timer 210 by the lead 220. The positive terminals of the solenoids 112, 114 and 116 are connected in series with corresponding positive terminals on the timer 210 by leads 222, 224 and 226, respectively.

The bleach, detergent, and anti-bacterial solenoids 122, 124 and 126 are likewise wired in parallel from their negative terminals by leads 228, 230, 232 and 234. These leads are connected to the timer 210 by a lead 236. The positive terminals of solenoids 122, 124 and 126 are connected in series with corresponding positive terminals on the timer 210 by leads 238, 240 and 242, respectively.

The motor 86 is wired in series with the timer 210 by leads 244 and 246.

The pump outlet solenoids 144 and 156 and the drain plug solenoid 208 are wired in parallel with each other by wires 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260. The negative leads 250, 254 and 258 are connected to the negative lead 262, and the positive leads 252, 256 and 260 are connected to the positive lead 264. The heaters 160 are connected in parallel with the positive and negative leads 266 and 268. As indicated in FIG. 6, one heater 160 is connected directly to the leads 266 and 268, and the other is in turn connected to these leads by wires 270' and 272.

In operation, when it is desired to wash a sheet, such as a diaper, having semi-solid waste thereon, the timer actuating knob 212 is turned to the on position. This actuates a pre-wash phase by actuating the cold water solenoid 114 to introduce cold water directly into the tube 72 therebyintroducing water through the tube 76, venturi 78, tube 80 and subsequently into tube 81 and through the nozzle 52. Water also flows from tube 72 into the tube 48 and out the nozzle 54.

The bleach valve 122 is likewise actuated to introduce bleach into the venturi 78 and the bleach mixes with the water and is ejected from the nozzle 52. Such water bleach mixture is effective to kill odors emitting from the diaper 46.

The motor 86 is likewise actuated and drive the linkage 90 and chain drive 92 thereby oscillating the nozzles 52 and 54. The thin wide pattern spray from the nozzle 52 will pass up and down along substantially the entire facing area of the sheet or diaper 46, while the intense narrow pattern spray from the nozzle 54- will be directed into the central portion of the diaper and will pass down one side and up the other to effect an intense agitation of the soiled area. The diaper 46 will be forced to the left, as viewed in FIG. 4, and the bottom portion will come into contact with the screen 170 and further movement to the left will be resisted. The semi-solids dropping from the diaper 46 will fall directly into the drain screen 106 and will collect in the nadir thereby decreasing the amount of unsanitary contact with such semi-solids. This flow is permitted to continue for a length of time sufficient to dislodge substantially all of the semi-solid material from the diaper 46 and especially from the soiled area.

The disposer solenoid 116 is then actuated to introduce cold water through the tube 110 and into the nozzle 108. As aforedescribed, the spray from the nozzle is a relatively thin fine spray and is directed into the nadir of the screen 106 and effectively cuts up any semi-solids that collect there. Meanwhile, the exiting water can flow out the uncovered upper area of the screen 106.

The disposer solenoid 116 is then deactuated and the pump outlet valves 154 and 156 and the drain solenoid 208 are actuated. This initiates removing stains from the diaper 46. Since the drain pipe 104 is plugged, water will collect in the sump 105 and will be introduced to the pump feed line 134. The cold water solenoid 114 is then deactuated and the water and bleach mixture collecting in the bottom of the container 40 will be circulated through the nozzles 52, 54 and 60. The flow leaves the pump 84 and passes through the tube 74 and into the tube 48 and out the nozzle 54. Water flows from tube 74 into the tube 72 and passes through the tube 76, vcnturi 78, tubes 80 and 81 and out the nozzle 52. Thus, bleach is continually pulled by the venturi 78.

Water also passes from the pump 84 and into the tube 82 and consequently into the tube 60 and out the nozzles 64. The bleach solenoid 122 remains actuated until a sufficient concentration of bleach is reached, in the recirculating mixture. The bleach solenoid 122 is then turned off and the cold water bleach mixture recirculation is continued for a predetermined length of time sufficient to remove the stain from the diaper 46.

After the stain has been removed, the pump outlet solenoids 144 and 156 and the drain solenoid 208 are deactuated to close the pump outlet valves and open the drain pipe 104. The cold water bleach mixture is then allowed to drain from the container 40.

The timer 210 is adapted to be manually dialed through the aforedescribed pro-wash and cold washing cycles so that when diapers that are not stained and do not have semi-solids collected thereon are washed, the above described steps can be eliminated from the washing cycle.

The timer 210 then advances to actuate the hot water solenoid 112, motor 86, bleach and detergent solenoids 112 and 114, respectively, and the pump outlet solenoids 144 and 156, and the drain solenoid 208. Thus, hot water will be emitted from the nozzles 52 and 54, and the motor 86 will oscillate these nozzles to effect the above-described spray pattern with a relatively intense impingement and resultant agitation on the soiled area. As the timer 210 a cold wash cycle for advances, the hot water solenoid 112 will be deactuate and the associated valve will close. Since the pump 8' is running and the pump outlet solenoids 144 and 156 a1" open, water will be recirculated through the nozzles 52 54 and 64 as described in the cold water wash cycle. Thi bleach and detergent solenoids 122 and 124 remain actu ated for a predetermined length of time to build th bleach and detergent concentration in the circulating ho water to the desired level. The bleach and detergent solenoids 122 and 124 are then deactuated and the container 40 drained by actuating the drain solenoid 208.

The timer 210 has new advanced to initiate a rinse cycle. At this time, the hot water solenoid 112 is actuated to introduce hot water to the nozzles 52 and 54. The drain solenoid 208 and pump outlet solenoid valves 144 and 156 are then actuated to collect water in the sump and permit flow from the pump 84. After a predetermined length of time, the water in the sump 105 will rise to the desired level and the hot water solenoid 112 will be deactuated to close the associated valve. The pump 84 will continue to circulate the hot water to nozzles 52, 54 and 64 for a predetermined length of time.

The drain solenoid 208 is then deactuated and the collected water drained.

The timer 210 has now advanced to the final rinse stage and the drain solenoid 208 and hot water solenoids 112 are again actuated to plug the drain and collect water in the sump 105. The pump outlet solenoid valves 144 and 156 are also actuated to circulate the water through the pump and the nozzles 52, 54 and 64.

The anti-bacterial fabric softener solenoid 126 is then actuated to open the valve associated with the anti-bacterial softener tank and the fabric softener is expelled through the nozzle 54. After a predetermined length of time, the hot water valve is closed by deactuating the sole noid 112 and after an additional period of time the fabric softener solenoid and the container 40 drained.

The heaters 160 are then turned on and the humid atmosphere in the container 40 heated. This results in a steam environment surrounding the sheet 46 and germs contained therein will be killed. After a predetermined time, the motor 86 is started to actuate the blower 164. Air is then blown into the container opening 168 and circulated throughout the wash compartment 103. The timer 210 will then advance to turn off the motor 86 and heaters 160, and the diaper 46 is then dried and ready for use.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the method and washing machine of this invention provide means whereby the unpleasant task of hand rinsing human waste from diapers can be avoided. The initial pre-wash is effective to remove any semi-solids from the diaper and conserves water usage since spray is only directed from nozzles 52 and 54. Cold water is used in this pre-wash to avoid melting the semi-solids into the fabric of the diaper 46.

The subsequent cold wash then gives an agitation effect to the diaper 46 by impinging opposite sides synchronously with spray from the nozzles 52, 54 and 64. Again, this is a cold water wash and the semi-solids will not be melted into the diaper fabric.

The following hot wash cycle is then. very effective to remove any remaining dirt and the added bleach and detergent will be effective in killing germs and odors. The subsequent clear water rinse will then remove soap and detergent from the diaper 45 to avoid irritating the babys skin.

The post rinse includes a fabric softener to soften the diaper fabric after it has been dried.

From the above it will be apparent that the method and washing machine of this invention provide convenient,

.aving a soiled area on one side,

terized to include, after step the hot water and detergent wash mixture and recycling it through the high and low intensity nozzles while they are being moved as described in steps (G) and (H).

mesaving, economical and effective means for accomlishing a very unpleasant task.

While the method herein described and the form of mbodiment shown is a preferred method and form, it is nderstood that other methods and forms may be adopted ailing Within the scope of the claims that follow.

I claim:'

1.- The steps in a method for washing sheet material which steps comprise:

(A) suspending the sheet in a container and intermediate two relatively low intensity wide pattern spray nozzles with the soiled area facing a relatively high intensity narrow pattern spray nozzle;

(B) washing the sheet by flowing a pressurized cold water through both low intensity nozzles and the high intensity nozzle;

(C) simultaneously with step (B) moving both low intensity nozzles to direct their spray patterns over substantially the entire facing area of the sheet;

(D) simultaneously with steps (B) and (C) moving the high intensity nozzle to direct its spray pattern over substantially the entire soiled area;

(E) then draining the cold water from the container;

(F) then washing the sheet by flowing a pressurized hot water and detergent mixture through both low intensity nozzles and the high intensity nozzle;

(G) simultaneously with step (F) moving both low intensity nozzles to direct their spray patterns over substantially the entire facing area of the sheet;

(H) simultaneously with steps (F) and (G) moving the high intensity nozzle to direct its spray pattern over substantially the entire soiled area;

(I) draining the hot water and detergent mixture from the container;

(1 then rinsing the sheet by flowing a pressurized clear water rinse through both low intensity nozzles and the high intensity nozzle;

(K) simultaneously with step (J) moving both low intensity nozzles to direct their spray patterns over substantially the entire facing area of the sheet;

(L) then drying the sheet material.

2. The steps in a method as defined in claim 1 charac- (H), the step of collecting 3. A washing machine for sheet material having a soiled area on one side, which machine comprises in combination:

(A) a container;

(B) means for suspending the sheet material disposed vertically from the upper part of the container; (C) a relatively high intensity narrow spray pattern nozzle arranged on the soiled side of the sheet and directed toward the soiled area;

(D) two relatively low intensity wide spray pattern nozzles arranged on opposite sides of the suspended sheet and directed toward the sheet;

(E) means for movably supporting the high and low intensity spray nozzles;

(F) conduit means for providing pressurized hot and cold Water to the nozzles;

(G) valve means for selectively controlling the hot and cold fiow of water to the nozzles;

(H) means for opening and closing the valve means for selecting hot or cold water;

(1) means for imparting movement to the low intensity spray nozzles to move their sprays over substantially the entire facing sheet area;

(I) means for imparting movement to the high intensity spray nozzle to move its spray pattern over the soiled area;

(K) a drain pipe connected to the bottom of the container.

4. A washing machine as defined in claim 3 characterized to include:

(L) a screen supported in said container (A) and disposed below the sheet as suspended from said suspension means (B);

(M) a fourth spray nozzle; and

(N) means for supporting the fourth mentioned spray nozzle for directing the spray into said screen for cutting and dissolving semi-solids that collect therein.

5. A washing machine as defined in claim 3 to include:

(L) means for plugging said drain pipe (K);

(M) means for moving the plug means into and from plugging relationship with said drain pipe (K);

(N) a pump having an inlet and an outlet;

(0) a motor for actuating the pump;

(P) a first conduit in communication with the container and connected to the pump inlet;

(Q) a second conduit connected on one end to the pump outlet and on the opposite end to said nozzle conduit means (F).

6. A washing machine as defined in claim 3 characterized in that said nozzle support means (E) supports said nozzles (C) and (D) oscillatable, and further characterized in that said means (I) effects oscillatory movement to said support means (E).

7. A washing machine as defined in claim 6 characterized in that said nozzle (C) is pivotable on an axis extending perpendicularly of its support means (E) axis, and further characterized in that its spray pattern is directed perpendicularly of both of said axes and still further characterized to include:

(M) means for oscillating said nozzle (C) in one direction on its axis when said support means (E) is oscillated in one direction on its axis and in the opposite direction when said support means is oscillated in the opposite direction on its axis.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,789,031 4/1957 Caronia 8-158 3,018,488 1/1962 Snead 68-205 X 3,045,462 7/1962 Brown 68-205 X 3,122,011 2/1964 Martin 68-205 WILLIAM 1. PRICE, Primary Examiner. 

1. THE STEPS IN A METHOD FOR WASHING SHEET MATERIAL HAVING A SOILED AREA ON ONE SIDE, WHICH STEPS COMPRISE: (A) SUSPENDING THE SHEET IN A CONTAINER AND INTERMEDIATE TWO RELATIVELY LOW INTENSITY WIDE PATTERN SPRAY NOZZLES WITH THE SOILED AREA FACING A RELATIVELY HIGH INTENSITY NARROW PATTERN SPRAY NOZZLE; (B) WASHING THE SHEET BY FLOWING A PRESSURIZED COLD WATER THROUGH BOTH LOW INTENSITY NOZZLES AND THE HIGH INTENSITY NOZZLE; (C) SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH STEP (B) MOVING BOTH LOW INTENSITY NOZZLES TO DIRECT THEIR SPRAY PATTERNS OVER SUBSTANTIALLY THE ENTIRE FACING AREA OF THE SHEET; (D) SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH STEPS (B) AND (C) MOVING THE HIGH INTENSITY NOZZLE TO DIRECT ITS SPRAY PATTERN OVER SUBSTANTIALLY THE ENTIRE SOILED AREA; (E) THEN DRAINING THE COLD WATER FROM THE CONTAINER; (F) THEN WASHING THE SHEET BY FLOWING A PRESSURIZED HOT WATER AND DETERGENT MIXTURE THROUGH BOTH LOW INTENSITY NOZZLES AND THE HIGH INTENSITY NOZZLE; (G) SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH STEP (F) MOVING BOTH LOW INTENSITY NOZZLES TO DIRECT THEIR SPRAY PATTERNS OVER SUBSTANTIALLY THE ENTIRE FACING AREA OF THE SHEET; (H) SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH STEPS (F) AND (G) MOVING THE HIGH INTENSITY NOZZLE TO DIRECT ITS SPRAY PATTERN OVER SUBSTANTIALLY THE ENTIRE SOILED AREA; (I) DRAINING THE HOT WATER AND DETERGENT MIXTURE FROM THE CONTAINER; (J) THEN RINSING THE SHEET BY FLOWING A PRESSURIZED CLEAR WATER RINSE THROUGH BOTH LOW INTENSITY NOZZLES AND THE HIGH INTENSITY NOZZLE; (K) SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH STEP (J) MOVING BOTH LOW INTENSITY NOZZLES TO DIRECT THEIR SPRAY PATTERNS OVER SUBSTANTIALLY THE ENTIRE FACING AREA OF THE SHEET; (L) THEN DRYING THE SHEET MATERIAL. 